Dr. Damico’s research has focused on the molecular determinants of apoptosis and cell survival within the vasculature and their role in disease pathogenesis and severity in multiple pulmonary diseases including acute respiratory distress syndrome, emphysema, and PAH. The theme of her work involves the identification of novel molecular regulators of cell fate in the pulmonary circulation that are altered in human disease. She has used a combination of molecular/cellular techniques, preclinical models of disease, and human phenotypic and epidemiologic assessments to test their mechanisms of actions and contribution to disease susceptibility and severity. Her overarching hypothesis is a greater understanding of cell fate determinants in disease will not only expand our understanding of the pathogenesis of disease, but will identify new biomarkers, explain phenotypic heterogeneity in disease, and provide rational therapeutic targets.